Michelin Premier LTX Review

The Michelin Premiere LTX is a rare tire for the brand in that it utilizes a new technology. It’s also rare because unlike almost every other Michelin tire, it is not terribly well rated.

PROS

  • Quiet/comfortable ride
  • Wet weather grip
  • Warranty (thankfully)

CONS

  • Premature wear

 

Michelin made some big claims with its new Premiere LTX tire designed for SUVs and crossovers and while the technology does live up to the hype, this tire also comes with some drawbacks.

The biggest news about the Premiere LTX is that is features Michelin’s new EverGrip technology, designed for improved wet weather braking over the life of the tire.

SEE ALSO: Michelin Defender LTX M/S Review

When tires are tested for performance, they are usually tested when brand new. And Michelins usually rate at the top of the pack for their intended performance, be it grip, ride quality, or long life. This new tire was designed with wet weather braking in mind, and not just when new, but when the tire has reached its half-life.

To break this new technology down, while the rubber itself becomes less ideal over time, the physical design of the tire changes to compensate for that. The outside treadblocks feature grooves that emerge, while the circumferential lines that run the length of the tire actually get wider with age – to prevent hydroplaning.

In testing done by Michelin the tires (when half-worn) stopped shorter in wet weather compared to the Continental LX20 and Goodyear CS TripleTred.

An amazing idea, in theory, it appears the tire seems to wear too quickly as a result and even Michelin’s own website features a long list of negative reviews The brand has not said if they intend to perfect this technology ( we assume they will). Regardless, these tires come with a 60,000 mile limited treadwear warranty, so anyone with a complaint is likely getting a new set of tires.

There are some benefits to buying top-tier tires.

Another tire to consider for premium crossover and SUVs is the Michelin Latitude Tour HP.

Michelin Premiere LTX Price

Pricing for the Michelin Premiere LTX starts at around $148 and goes up to about $250 per tire. Michelin isn’t big on discount either, so if you’re looking for a bargain, it’s best to shop around during major sales holidays.

 

Michelin Premiere LTX Warranty

With plenty of reported issues about tire life, it’s at least nice that the Michelin Premiere LTX is backed by a 60,000 mile limited treadwear warranty. Like all Michelin tires it’s also covered by the brands standard manufacturer limited warranty that covered defects and workmanship for the life of the tread, or six years from the purchase date, whichever comes first.

What Vehicles does the Michelin Premiere LTX Fit On?

  • Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe, Avalanche, Suburban, Colorado, Blazer
  • Dodge Ram, Durango, Dakota
  • Ford Expedition, Escape, Ranger, Bronco, F-150, Excursion, Explorer
  • GMC Yukon, Sierra, Canyon
  • Honda Element, CR-V
  • Hummer H3, H2
  • Jeep Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Liberty
  • Land Rover Discovery
  • Lexus GX470
  • Nissan Titan, Xterra, Frontier
  • RM 1500
  • Toyota Tacoma, Tundra, FJ Cruiser, Sequoia, 4Runner, Land Cruiser, Highlander

Michelin Premiere LTX Sizes

16-inch Michelin Premiere LTX Tires

215/65R16 98H BSW
215/70R16 100H BSW

17-inch Michelin Premiere LTX Tires

225/60R17 99V BSW
235/60R17 102H BSW
235/65R17 104H BSW
255/60R17 106V BSW
275/55R17 109V BSW

18-inch Michelin Premiere LTX Tires

225/60R18 100H BSW
235/50R18 97V BSW
235/60R18 103H BSW
235/60R18 107V BSW
235/65R18 106V BSW
245/60R18 105V BSW
255/55R18 109V BSW
255/55R18 109H BSW
265/60R18 110V BSW

19-inch Michelin Premiere LTX Tires

235/45R19 95H BSW
235/50R19 99H BSW
235/55R19 101V BSW
235/55R19 101H BSW
255/50R19 107H BSW
255/55R19 111V BSW
255/60R19 109H BSW
275/55R19 111H BSW

20-inch Michelin Premiere LTX Tires

235/45R20 100H BSW
235/55R20 102V BSW
245/50R20 102V BSW
245/60R20 107H BSW
255/50R20 109V BSW
255/55R20 110H BSW
265/50R20 107V BSW
275/50R20 109H BSW
275/55R20 113H BSW
275/60R20 115H BSW

22-inch Michelin Premiere LTX Tires

285/45R22 114H BSW

Michelin Premier LTX vs Defender LTX

Similar tires in certain respects, the main stand-out feature of the Premier LTX is its Expanding Rain Grooves and Emerging Grooves. These two features open up more space in the tire to deliver more physical void space for evacuating water as the tire wears. This helps counterbalance the reduced tread grip as the tire wears so the Premier LTX maintains its wet weather performance over the lift of the tire. That said, it’s a superior wet weather tire.

The Defender LTX, however, doesn’t feature these unique traits. It does come with a 70,000 tread life guarantee, compared to just 60,000 miles for the Premier LTX. So if longer overall tread life is your priority, the Defender LTX is a better choice. That, and Michelin promises superior cold weather grip for the Defender series.

How Long Does the Michelin Premier LTX Last?

While the Premier LTX is rated to last up to 60,000 miles according to Michelin, based on the bulk of online user reviews and independent testing, you should expect closer to 45,000 miles.